Converts in high life, or, An anticipation of the Catholic Emancipation [graphic]

"George IV, dressed as a monk, stoops over Lady Conyngham (right), placing a hand on her breast. He is clean-shaven, his whiskers, inscribed 'Transferred Whiskers', form a border to a bald head, giving the effect of a tonsure. She is décolletée, dressed in white, with white drapery from her head, suggesting a travesty of a nun (cf. British Museum Satires No. 5177). He says: "Speak freely thou Cunning-one, and by St George, I will give thee Absolution--(let me see) a Faux-Pas, is no deadly sin, and loving other men, it is our duty to love each other." She says: "Since my Conversion (Holy Father) I feel much lighter you have put a new conscience into me." They are large half length figures, hiding much of the background. Behind the King (left) on a table are wine-bottle of 'Holy Water', goblet, open book, and crucifix. Above this is a picture of asses at table, drinking wine: 'Feast of Asses in honour of Balaam's a[ss]'. Behind Lady Conyngham (right) is a picture of a monk birching the bare back of her husband, who kneels, holding up a cross; on his forehead are large antlers: 'St Francis Doing Penance', placarded 'NB The origin of this Picture may be seen at Hamilton Place' [see British Museum Satires No. 13848]."--British Museum online catalogue